City Hall news from Randy and his staff

March 22, 2010

Landmark sign to become Portland's own

The sign formerly known as the "White Satin Sugar" sign, the "White Stag" sign, and the "Made in Oregon" sign, is soon to come under the ownership of the City of Portland through a generous donation being made by Ramsay Signs. Before the City takes ownership of the sign, it will be converted to read "Portland Oregon" in the styling of its predecessors, as shown below:

Approximately one year ago, a proposal to change this historic Portland landmark to reflect the Eugene based "University of Oregon" prompted Commissioner Leonard to post this article, and and subsequently challenge the University's efforts to utilize the sign for a narrow purpose. The University agreed to drop their proposal, and since that time, the City and Ramsay Signs have discussed an arrangement that will ultimately result in the City taking ownership of the sign via a donation agreement between the parties.

The maintenance of the sign, electricity, and the costs of conversion to read "Portland Oregon" will be paid for with revenues from a newly established City-owned parking lot under the Burnside Bridge. The "Portland Oregon" copy change proposal will be reviewed by the Historic Landmarks Commission in May, and the conversion will begin later this summer.

"Portland is renowned for its sense of history and place," said Commissioner Leonard, "This sign is an icon that is uniquely emblematic of Portland, and bringing it into public ownership allows the City to preserve and perpetuate its place in our skyline and our history."